Paige Bueckers has officially dethroned Caitlin Clark as the WNBA's most coveted franchise cornerstone—at least in the eyes of the league's top decision-makers.
The WNBA released its annual general managers' survey ahead of the league's milestone 30th season, which tips off May 8. Among the wide-ranging topics, GMs were asked a simple but telling question: "If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the WNBA, who would it be?"
The answer? Dallas Wings star and reigning Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, who secured 33 percent of the vote. Clark, the Indiana Fever guard who took the league by storm as a rookie, finished in a tie for second with Las Vegas Aces superstar and four-time MVP A'ja Wilson—each earning 20 percent. Seattle Storm's Dominique Malonga followed at 13 percent, while New York Liberty's Breanna Stewart and Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier also received votes.
The shift marks a dramatic turn from last year's poll, where Clark dominated with 50 percent of franchise player votes after her historic rookie campaign. But an injury-plagued second season changed the narrative. Limited to just 13 games due to groin and quad issues, Clark still managed impressive averages of 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds—but the setbacks clearly impacted perceptions.
Don't count Clark out just yet. She bounced back in style, earning tournament MVP honors at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in March. After a minor preseason scare, she's fully healthy and ready for Indiana's season opener against Bueckers and the Wings on May 9.
For a player who's built a career on silencing doubters, this latest poll might just be the fuel she needs.